DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1827999 ISSN: 2459-1459

Prevalence and Unawareness of Depression Among Older Adults: A Community-Based Study

Pinar Bakir Ekinci, Irem Aydın, Ceren Adali, Hanife Avci, Ayce Celiker
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Objective: Depression remains a significant public health issue, with evidence from Türkiye indicating a rising prevalence. This study aimed to highlight awareness of depression by comparing the prevalence of depressive symptoms and clinical diagnosis rates in older adults in Türkiye and determining the risk factors associated with depression.Methods: A prospective study was conducted between September 2022 and January 2023, including 301 patients aged ≥60 years who presented to outpatient clinics. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Depression was assessed using the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale; scores ≥11 indicated depression.Results: The prevalence of depression was 54.5%, with possible depression (15.3%) and definite depression (39.2%). Of the 164 patients classified as depressed, only 44 had a clinical diagnosis in the last year. Antidepressant treatment was initiated in 23 patients and continued in 9 patients. Only one patient who was currently receiving treatment was not classified with depression. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that older adults with below-middle school education (OR= 2.85, 95% CI: 1.72–4.72), living alone (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.17–3.44), diabetes (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.11–4.75), or polypharmacy (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.15–5.27) were at higher risk of depression.Conclusion: The prevalence of depression is high among older adults in Türkiye, yet only a small proportion have received a clinical diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals and support the implementation of routine depression screening using validated scales at outpatient clinics for the recognition and management of depression.

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